Rehab Articles
alcohol abuse in Canada, alcohol addiction
Alcohol abuse in Canada is very common unfortunately, in spite of the many steps taken by the government to lower the drinking rate and combat underage and excessive drinking. A study performed by CAMH, the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, found that Canadian citizens drink more than the rest of the global population by half, or 50% above the average rate around the world. The author of the study, CAMH’s Social and Epidemiological Research Department Director Dr. Jürgen Rehm, explained that “The burden of disease and injury is measured when someone dies prematurely or before the life expectancy in a certain country. Most of the harm and most of the death happens to people who drink more than three drinks a day, or someone who is drinking four or more drinks on a single occasion.”
According to Dr. Rehm the highest rate of alcohol abuse in Canada and alcohol addiction by population was those between 15 years old and 29 years old. The study author also pointed out that alcohol abuse is ranked #3 when it comes to cause of death around the world. Other research has shown that around 4% of the population of Canada aged 15 years old or older have an alcohol addiction. Males in the young adult age group are 200% more likely than females to engage in alcohol abuse. Someone who is a heavy drinker has a higher risk for more than 200 different diseases and conditions, and they are more likely to die at a younger age.
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sex addiction, drug addiction
A new study at the University of Cambridge shows that sex addiction and drug addiction have similar brain activity. The study found that individuals with a sex addiction who view pornography experience brain activity that is very similar to the brain activity caused by drug use for individuals who have a drug addiction. The researchers found that the number of people with a sex addiction can be as high as 1 in 25, and this is a considerable amount of the population. The study involved 19 patients who all suffered with sex addiction, and the brain activity of the study participants were compared to brain activity from healthy subjects without sex addiction or drug addiction issues. The male study subjects were shown a video series that involved either sports programs or sexually explicit content.
University of Cambridge Wellcome Trust Intermediate Clinical Fellow Dr. Valerie Voon stated “The patients in our trial were all people who had substantial difficulties controlling their sexual behavior and this was having significant consequences for them, affecting their lives and relationships. In many ways, they show similarities in their behavior to patients with drug addictions. We wanted to see if these similarities were reflected in brain activity, too.” Voon went on to say “There are clear differences in brain activity between patients who have compulsive sexual behavior and healthy volunteers. These differences mirror those of drug addicts. Whilst these findings are interesting, it’s important to note, however, that they could not be used to diagnose the condition. Nor does our research necessarily provide evidence that these individuals are addicted to porn — or that porn is inherently addictive. Much more research is required to understand this relationship between compulsive sexual behavior and drug addiction.”
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binge drinking, teen alcohol abuse
A new study shows that researchers may be able to successfully predict the risk of binge drinking for teens. This may help with identifying teen alcohol abuse early on and preventing complications. The study looked at factors that include brain structure, life experience, and individual personality. All of these factors are proven to have a strong link to teen alcohol abuse and binge drinking. The study used data from the IMAGEN project to develop a model that can include up to 40 various risk factors for substance abuse among teens. The lead author for the study, University College Dublin professor Dr. Robert Whelan, said “Our goal was to better understand the relative roles of brain structure and function, personality, environmental influences, and genetics in the development of adolescent abuse of alcohol. This multidimensional risk profile of genes, brain function, and environmental influences can help in the prediction of binge drinking at age 16 years.”
The study on teen alcohol abuse and binge drinking involved more than 2,000 14 year olds from several European countries including France, Germany, England, and Ireland. Professor Gunter Schumann, who is associated with the King’s College London and the Institute of Psychiatry and who is also the IMAGEN project Coordinator, stated “We aimed to develop a ‘gold standard’ model for predicting teenage behavior which can be used as a benchmark for the development of simpler, widely applicable prediction models.” Being able to predict the risk of teen alcohol abuse and binge drinking may be the first step to treatment that is effective.
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teens with addiction, substance abuse treatment
In Canada and the USA teens with addiction have very limited options when it comes to substance abuse treatment. Even when teens with addiction are hospitalized for inpatient substance abuse treatment often any insurance policy does not cover an optimal amount of days, and many parents find that their teens are released early than they should be because health insurance will not cover additional time. Community operated programs and outpatient substance abuse treatment options may not be as effective as intensive inpatient programs, and few insurers classify substance abuse as a chronic medical condition. This has left a big gap between the number of teens with addiction and the substance abuse treatment programs available to this age group, and this causes many teens with addiction to relapse or need further treatment after leaving a program because the first round was not highly effective.
The severely limited substance abuse treatment options of teens with addiction can be very stressful, both for the teen with drug or alcohol abuse issues and for their parents who struggle to seek treatment for their child with few possibilities. Part of the problem is the way that many health insurance providers view substance abuse treatment, so that this type of therapy is often considered treatment for a mental disorder like depression instead of treatment for a chronic condition. Often this distinction means fewer resources and less coverage, so that teens with addiction are released before they are fully recovered. This usually leads to a relapse and the need for further substance abuse treatment.
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substance abuse, drug addiction, alcohol abuse
1. Worry- Substance abuse can have a profound effect on your family members and friends. These individuals may worry constantly because of your drug addiction or alcohol abuse, concerned that your drug addiction will harm you or someone else. When you are away from loved ones they may worry that you can not control your substance abuse.
2. Helpless- Family members often feel helpless over your substance abuse, and they may feel like there is nothing that they can do. This is true to a point, but feeling helpless can be eliminated by arranging for an intervention and then a stay in a drug addiction or alcohol abuse treatment center.
3. Frustration- Frustration is common among family members who are dealing with substance abuse by a loved one. The family member may feel frustrated because they try to help but the user continues their destructive habits. As a family member you may feel like giving up but you can get through if you are persistent.
4. Fear- In many cases of drug addiction and alcohol abuse the loved ones feel fear because of the risks and medical consequences of substance abuse. Your family may be concerned that you will overdose and die, or that constant drinking may destroy your liver and health.
5. Anger- Anger is another emotion that substance abuse by a family member can cause. It is often a first reaction to be mad at the user or view this problem as one of not enough willpower, but this is not the case.
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morphine, morphine addiction, prescription pain medication
Morphine is a strong narcotic prescription pain medication that is manufactured from the opium poppy, and this drug can be highly addictive. Often a morphine addiction develops because the individual has a medical condition that requires strong prescription pain medication. Over time dependence on morphine will usually develop and the individual builds up a tolerance for the morphine. A stronger dose or more frequent dosage schedule may be needed to get the same effect. Eventually the individual has a full blown morphine addiction that impacts every area of their life. When the physician stops prescribing the drug then the user may turn to street sources, or even start using heroin as a substitute. If morphine addiction treatment is not sought the person will just continue to get worse in most cases.
Morphine addiction is treated the same as other prescription pain medication addictions. Normally inpatient rehab is the best option. Some facilities and programs may offer replacement therapy or methadone treatment in order to wean the individual off the opiate drug slowly and prevent severe cravings. Substance abuse treatment should always include individual counseling several times a week, group therapy just as frequently, and a variety of other treatment options to help you heal and fully recover. Anger Management, stress relief, nutritional counseling, equine therapy, musical appreciation, arts and crafts, and many other possible treatment choices can identify the best morphine addiction treatment programs. If you or a loved one has a problem with morphine or other types of prescription pain medication then there is help available.
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nutrition tips, alcohol addiction recovery, relapse
There are some important nutrition tips that can help you during your alcohol addiction recovery. Substance abuse takes a big toll physically, as well as the psychological damage that occurs. Nutritional deficiencies and poor eating habits can cause a relapse for many people, and the following nutrition tips can help while you are going through alcohol addiction recovery:
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Avoid caffeine whenever possible. This includes full versions of coffee, sodas with caffeine, and even teas that provide large amounts of this stimulant. Caffeine can cause your mood to fluctuate and make you more likely to relapse.
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Minimize added sugars and sugary foods that are sweet. In addition to possibly causing alcohol cravings sweet foods also contain empty calories and few nutrients. These items take the place of healthy and nutritional food choices in your diet.
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Make sure that you get plenty of protein each day. Protein helps to build and maintain muscle tissue and it is required for good physical health.
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Work hard to get at least 64 ounces of water in your diet. When you feel the urge to reach for a soda or juice try drinking water instead. If you do not like the taste of plain water then spruce the beverage up with a slice of orange, lemon, or lime. Being even slightly dehydrated can affect the way that you feel, and may make you more likely to relapse.
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Choose foods that are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients but that are low in fat and calories.
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anger management, substance abuse treatment, recovery process
One of the important components of effective substance abuse treatment is anger management, but why is this so important and how does it help the recovery process? Anger management helps you to learn to control and defuse your anger before it can cause harm to you or others. Being angry is one of the most common relapse triggers when it comes to alcohol and drug abuse, and one of the most frequent answers given about why a relapse has occurred. In this type of therapy you will learn to recognize the signs of anger and how to short circuit this emotion before it can get worse or become explosive. Many people have never learned to control this emotion and it has had a destructive effect on their lives.
Anger management therapy is vital in order for the recovery process to go smoothly. During substance abuse treatment and recovery you may find yourself getting irate over even the smallest of things, and this emotion can be incredibly damaging. The same hidden wounds and invisible traumas that lead to substance abuse can also cause issues with controlling anger or feeling this emotion frequently. If you or someone you know needs substance abuse treatment then it is important to make sure that any rehab offers anger management therapy to help work through any anger issues during the recovery process. If a substance abuse treatment program does not offer this component then you may want to pick another facility instead.
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Prescription drug abuse, drug addiction
Prescription drug abuse or drug addiction is not something that anyone wants to have. What causes prescription drug abuse though, and why do some people experience this problem while others seem almost immune to prescription drug addiction? There are social and genetic factors involved in addiction, and some people are more vulnerable or predisposed to substance abuse than others. There is no way to pinpoint who is at the highest risk for abuse and addiction when it comes to prescription drugs or even street drugs, and engaging in substance abuse is like playing Russian roulette. A family history of substance abuse can mean a higher risk for prescription drug abuse but this may not always be the case. Peer pressure and social issues also play a role in the abuse of any type of substance.
In many cases prescription drug abuse or drug addiction starts out with legitimate medications. The individual may need pain medications like Vicodin or codeine because they have been injured, had dental work performed, or undergone a medical procedure that makes prescription pain medication necessary. Over time prescription drug abuse occurs because the individual has developed a tolerance for the drug so more is needed to achieve the same effect. Eventually the user is taken off the prescription pain medication but the addiction continues, and the user starts to look for the drug on the street. Prescription drug abuse is a serious problem and treatment should be sought immediately if you or someone you care about has this problem.
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substance abuse treatment, substance abuse treatment that is effective
1. Substance abuse treatment requires constant monitoring and testing in order to be effective. Let’s face it, you are in treatment for drug or alcohol abuse because you have a problem. Many who enter a rehab program will relapse and use the substance of choice while they are getting help so monitoring and testing is very important during the treatment process.
2. There is no single substance abuse treatment program that will offer everyone the same results. Each individual will start using drugs or alcohol for specific reasons, and these reasons are not always the same. Substance abuse treatment that is effective will examine the individual factors in each case and develop a customized treatment plan.
3. Addiction causes physical and psychological changes in the brain, and this can interfere with normal thought processes. Until you are clean and sober you can not usually make the best decisions, so detox can be a very important part of substance abuse treatment that is effective. .
4. Individual counseling is one of the forms of substance abuse treatment that is effective. This method is needed so that you can work through your unique causes and determine why you abuse drugs or alcohol. One on one therapy should occur along with group therapy each week.
5. Before you can receive substance abuse treatment that is effective any mental disorders that you have must be diagnosed, and these need to be treated along with the substance abuse. Many individuals have both substance abuse issues and one or more mental disorders, and a dual diagnosis is needed in these cases.
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prescription drug abuse, prescription pain medication
The United States Food and Drug Administration, or USFDA, recently announced changes in the labeling requirements for long term prescription pain medications. These drugs are responsible for much of the increase in prescription drug abuse in North America. The changes are due to take effect at the end of 2014, and the new label requirements are designed to make physicians think carefully before prescribing a long acting opiate medication. Oxycontin, morphine, and Fentanyl are some of the drugs that will be affected by the new labeling requirements. Along with the labeling changes the government agency is also requiring the drug manufacturers to conduct studies on the long term effects of long acting prescription drugs. Until no there have not been any studies to show the long term effects of being on these prescription medications.
Safe prescribing practices have not been established with long acting prescription painkillers because there is a lack of data on the long term effects. The new labels will have modified language to help physicians determine when these drugs are required and lower the risk of prescription drug abuse. According to Dr. Douglas Throckmorton of the F.D.A.’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research “What is moderate to me could be severe to you. The new language will say that the drugs should be reserved for use in patients who do not have other treatment options, and be used for management of pain that is “severe enough” to require round-the-clock treatment.” Hopefully the changes will reduce prescription drug abuse in North America.
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bulimia nervosa, eating disorder
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder, just like anorexia and binge eating, and it can be a dangerous condition for many reasons. If you suffer from bulimia nervosa then you typically binge and purge, eating large amounts of food and then getting rid of it by vomiting or using other measures. This eating disorder can cause malnutrition, and vital body functions may become impaired because of the lack of proper nutrition. Bulimia nervosa can include the following symptoms:
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Compulsive overeating, often foods high in fat and sugar
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Inducing vomiting after binging
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An unhealthy and false body image
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Exercise that is excessive
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The use of laxatives
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Frequent weight changes
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Abnormal bowel habits and function
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Constantly dieting
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Injuries to the hands and knuckles from inducing vomiting
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Teeth and gums that are swollen or damaged
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Lack of menstruation
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Irregular menstrual periods
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Sores in the throat or mouth caused by excessive vomiting
Treating bulimia nervosa can be difficult, and this is true of most eating disorders. Individual and group counseling is necessary, but you should also receive nutritional counseling and learn stress management techniques and methods as well. Equine therapy can help you rebuild trust, and the individual sessions with a therapist can help you uncover the causes of bulimia nervosa or other eating disorders in your specific case so they can be addressed and then resolved. If you or someone you know has bulimia nervosa or any eating disorder then help and treatment are important. If left unchecked these disorders can be deadly.
